UNCTAD's work on harnessing international trade in promoting sustained growth and inclusive development includes as a key aspect, support to developing countries in taking advantages of emerging opportunities for trade associated with the protection, promotion and preservation of the environment and sustainable development objectives generally, while minimizing potential adverse impacts. This work is carried out by the Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch of DITC.

Through research and analysis, intergovernmental deliberations and consensus building, and technical assistance, as well as partnerships and networks with an array of stakeholders, the Branch works to strengthen the capacity of developing countries to formulate and implement mutually supportive trade, environment and sustainable development objectives; integrate sustainable development and poverty reduction objectives in development strategies at all levels, including the need to address climate change implications inter alia by promoting climate-friendly trade and production strategies including in green sectors; and support the effective participation of developing countries in international deliberations on trade and environment.

News

Based on a recently MoU signed between UNCTAD and the Institute of Intellectual Property of Ecuador, the latter invited UNCTAD to the launching of an export promotion campaign for key local products produced by local communities with high traditional knowledge content.

The implications of the ratification of the Nagoya Protocol for trade, development and intellectual property was discussed with Ecuadorian parliamentarians, government officials and other users and providers of biological resources and related traditional knowledge.

​Stakeholders from Ecuador's cocoa sector and its derivatives reviewed an export policy for green products of Ecuador, commissioned by UNCTAD, and validated a draft National Action Plan for the cocoa-chocolate sector.

​At a recent workshop, stakeholders from Ecuador's fisheries sector discussed a review of the export policy for green products of Ecuador, commissioned by UNCTAD, and a draft National Action Plan for the fisheries sector.